PITTSBURGH — The Kansas City Chiefs are approaching their critical matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, aiming to secure the top seed in the AFC, though they will be missing standout defensive end Chris Jones.

The Chiefs, who currently hold a 14-1 record, have designated Jones as inactive for their Christmas Day clash against Pittsburgh, which stands at 10-5. Jones, a five-time Pro Bowler, is sidelined due to a calf injury he acquired late in the previous week’s win over Houston. This marks only the eighth game since 2016 that Jones has been unable to play.

In addition to Jones, Kansas City will also be without left tackle D.J. Humphries, who continues to recover from a hamstring issue.

The Steelers have a chance to secure the AFC North title if they win their remaining two games. However, they will be missing starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who suffered a knee injury during last Saturday’s defeat against Baltimore. Additionally, wide receiver Ben Skowronek, recognized for his contributions on special teams, is out due to a hip injury.

This game will also see veteran outside linebacker Preston Smith listed as inactive for the first time since being traded from Green Bay earlier this season. Despite not being mentioned on the injury report, Smith had been in line to play all 18 games this year, which is quite unusual.

For the Steelers, quarterback Justin Fields and defensive end Dean Lowry are also inactive. Fields is still in recovery from an abdominal injury he sustained in a game against Cleveland two weeks prior.

Additionally, the Chiefs will be missing defensive back Chamarri Conner, as well as defensive ends Joshua Uche and Malik Herring, along with offensive linemen C.J. Hanson and Ethan Driskell.